Temperatures increase to a heatwave

Sefton Council is raising awareness that the borough is one of the areas around England that may experience “heatwave “conditions according to Met Office forecasts.

Warnings of an imminent heatwave are triggered when the Met Office forecasts that temperatures have a 60% chance of being high enough on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night to have a significant effect on health.

This is the time to prepare to reduce any potential harm because during hot spells vulnerable residents such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses can feel the effects of heat more than others.

Even if temperatures do not reach heatwave levels Sefton Council’s Public Health is still advising everyone who lives, works and visits the borough to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cold drinks, but not alcohol.

Top advice for being sun safe:

• try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a hat and light scarf. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
• avoid physical exertion
• drink plenty of cold drinks
• if you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator
• look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

Remember to keep your home cool too, close the curtains on windows in bedrooms and living space that get the sun and open the windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

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